The Physiology Of Coughing!

[Scarlett]

OKay so I am still really struggling with this dreadful cough. I've been sick three times already this morning because of the massive itch in my throat, so I have to cough really violently to try to 'scratch' it, which sets off my gag reflex. It sounds like I'm being murdered. I also have no breath and feel very hot. My question is- why is it necessary? Is my body trying to urgently repel germs in my throat? What causes the intense 'itch'? I've had it for a week now and if anything I feel worse now than I did at the start. Many thanks!

[Sqad]

\\\ My question is- why is it necessary?\\

It is a reflex....a cough reflex....without it it foreign material would pass into the lungs and remain there causing problems such as pneumonia, collapsed lung and perhaps ....death.

\\\\Is my body trying to urgently repel germs in my throat? \\\

Yes it may be...germs or the by products of inflammation.

\\\ What causes the intense 'itch'?\\\

Same as above, infection or inflammation.

Some of us have already said that it may be....may be.....whopping cough in which antibiotics may well be the answer.

[Scarlett]

Thanks Sqad, I don't think it is whooping cough as I don't have coughing fits leaving me breathless, more like 3 massive coughs in a row to try and scratch the itch. I am actually taking antibiotics as I got a bladder infection at the same time- which leads me to think it was all part of being run down? Antibiotics have helped bladder but not touched cough, sadly.

[woofgang]

If you are being sick and bringing up stomach acid, then that can irritate your throat and cause a cough or make a cough worse. Not saying that you have got GERD but here is the info.
http://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/coughing#Overview1

[Sammy48]

Scarlett I have had the same for three weeks, it's a nightmare.